SECRET
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR
40 YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No.
27(1)_____
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER'S CALL ON SIR P CRADOCK 3 PM, Tuesday 10 April 1984: FUTURE OF HONG KONG
Points To Make
1.
Continuing to keep your Government regularly informed at high
level both here and in Canberra. On 5 April our High Commissioner
in Canberra briefed Secretary of Foreign Affairs about latest round
(26/27 March).
2.
Talks continuing to be useful and constructive. Continuing without prejudice to explore Chinese ideas for Hong Kong as Special Administrative Region of China. Much common ground on areas in which maximum continuity vital if Hong Kong stability/prosperity to be maintained. But some tricky areas (eg nationality) to which we
shall need to return. Exploratory process thus not complete.
3.
Know Chinese preference like ours is for negotiated bilateral agreement. We are working actively towards this end.
4. Secretary of State to visit Peking 15-18 April, and Hong Kong 18-20 April. In Peking will discuss inter alia form and content of
an
agreement which could be put to Parliament for approval if terms acceptable
to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong visit will enable
Secretary of State to report on his conversations in Peking and form a personal view of Hong Kong opinion.
5. In continuing close touch with Hong Kong opinion. Governor and EXCO again in London for discussions with Ministers (including Prime Minister) 4-6 April. Comprehensive review of progress of talks and of future strategy. Reiterated our commitment to Hong Kong and to
SECRET